• Key insights into the legal directories scoring system.
• Strategies to secure individual rankings and maximize referee responses.
• Tips for crafting standout work highlights.

Date: November 12th
Time: 1 PM (UK time)
Audience: Legal professionals, marketing teams, and lawyers involved in legal directory submissions and award applications.

Don’t miss out!

Click here to register and to receive a link for the webinar.

The post Submissions 360 – Webinar appeared first on Tier One Rankings.

The directories continue to play a crucial role in shaping and adding to a law firm’s image and success. From showcasing expertise, bolstering global presence, and building a positive reputation, they also act as independent verifications, publicly acknowledge and champion the achievements of lawyers, and help win the attention of top legal talent.

While the time required to collect data and submit has often been a bugbear for law firms, the effort can be seamless with a professional and holistic approach. Find out more by downloading our guide and reaching out directly.  Click link to download

The post Tier One’s 2024 Legal Directory Guide Released! appeared first on Tier One Rankings.

True, they might seem like a waste of valuable time, but have you even considered their full potential. Let’s change our perspective and see them as opportunities to boost your standing and reputation in the legal industry.

Shine a light on landmark matters…

Instead of treating legal directory submissions as just another item on your to-do list, imagine them as a stage to showcase your standout cases and achievements. Think of it as an opportunity to demonstrate your expertise in action. Take the achievements and turn them into compelling case studies or thought-provoking pieces. Not only does this highlight your skills and experience but it also reveals your distinctive approach to legal challenges and sets you apart from your competitors.

Recycle lawyer bios to create a stronger online vibe

Your lawyer bios in legal directory submissions are more than just profiles; they are power boosts for your online presence. Use them as a foundation to spruce up your social media profiles and website. By doing so, you can point out your accomplishments, skills, and industry recognition. Not only does this reach potential clients, it also builds trust and credibility within the legal community. In simple terms, your online presence becomes a dynamic tool for attracting clients and establishing your firm’s reputation as a reliable legal authority.

Repurpose valuable insights from the shop window

The information gathered for the shop window section within the legal directory submissions is a treasure trove of insights. Pick out the parts that cast your firm’s capabilities in a positive light and reuse them. These nuggets of wisdom can be smoothly integrated into marketing materials, presentations, and certainly articles. Collaborate with a legal marketer to create polls, infographics and to conduct some graphics, charts and other visuals that will highlight market trends.

Sharing these insights reinforces your reputation as a trusted authority in your field, especially when linked to significant clients or cases (as long as confidentiality is maintained). Your audience gains a deeper understanding of your expertise and the value you bring to the table.

For best results make your approach holistic

To maximise the impact of your submissions, consider a more holistic approach. Engage with the process proactively, collaborating with your team to identify the most compelling aspects of your work. Strategize! Whether it means sharing success stories on social media, incorporating them into your website content, or using them in client pitches, these narratives can be powerful tools for expanding your reach and establishing your firm as a leader in the legal space.

Doesn’t sound like hard work, does it? That’s because it is not!

When approached strategically, they submissions become valuable opportunities to showcase your expertise, elevate your online presence, and amplify your reputation in the legal community. By embracing the above practices, you’re essentially recycling existing information to work in your favour. Legal directory submissions cease to be just a mundane task; it becomes a tool for showcasing your expertise and generating new business opportunities. The real value lies in the potential to enhance your firm’s visibility, credibility, and client engagement. It is a strategy that offers substantial returns with minimal effort.

In an industry where competition is fierce, it’s essential to work smart, not hard, and make the most of every chance to stand out. Don’t just submit matters; actively engage with the legal directory submissions process, and you will see that it can be a game-changer for your firm’s visibility, credibility, and client engagement. So, seize the opportunity and rise to new heights like a legal eagle with flair, with minimal effort but maximum impact.

The post Legal directory submissions, again?! appeared first on Tier One Rankings.

Following on from the launch of its UK guide last month, Chambers & Partners marked the start of November with Chambers 360, a seminar which, through a wealth of helpful pointers and anecdotes, was geared to help firm improve their submissions.

UK Research Director Alex Marsh was joined by other senior members of the team and, although the various presentations covered different sub-topics, the unifying theme was to emphasise the extremely competitive nature of the rankings.

Chambers receives overwhelming engagement, a fact laid bare by the fact that only 1/3^rd of participants who submit for its most popular tables will receive a ranking, and therefore firms who wish to stand out from the crowd need to ensure that their submissions excel on all fronts.

The directory is famed for its extensive market research, which includes tends of thousands of interviews for the UK guide alone, though the point was emphasised that positive peer/client feedback naturally needs to be complemented by an equally strong submission.

In fact, it was stated that a practice which, in reality may be thriving, may be denied a promotion or even demoted/unranked should the submission fail to convey its actual strength.

The Work Highlights

Chambers emphasised that the majority of a firm’s resources should be directed towards correctly completing the work highlights section. Above all else, this is the one section that firms need to perfect.

Interestingly, despite the emphasised desire for complex and challenging work, Chambers advises that matter write ups need to be streamlined, as opposed to overly detailed.

Mini novels are not recommended, and firms need to bear their audience in mind i.e., the writing should be accessible to the research analyst, who is not a qualified lawyer. The best approach is to broadly describe what happened, as opposed to getting bogged down in the technical legalease.

Chambers advised to tackle each work matter by:

1. An opening sentence or two describing what happened
2. A couple of further sentences identifying why the matter was important
3. A final note on any additional context e.g., was it a new client, has it closed or is it still ongoing?

More broadly, general advice included:

1. Firms check the relevant practice area definitions before preparing their submissions. They need to ensure that any work included is relevant to the given table e.g., a shareholder dispute should be in a Commercial Litigation submission as opposed to Corporate/M&A
2. Firms need to showcase a broad spectrum of matters across a wealth of different industries. For example, a real estate submission focusing on investments, developments, and leasing across a range of property types will be preferable to only providing leasing matters at retail sites
3. Firms need to ensure that they include the full 20 permitted matters, where possible, as this number strikes a balance between allowing firms to focus on their very best work, yet also permitting Chambers to gauge how varied the workload is.
4. Most importantly, firms need to provide deal values, especially for transaction-focused tables. This was repeatedly emphasised, and is evidently one of Chambers’ key criteria. Firms were reminded that deal values can be marked as confidential and if an exact figure cannot be provided, a value range is acceptable.

Individual Rankings

Chambers emphasised that firms should not cast the net too wide i.e., provide any more than 5 or 6 lawyers for an individual ranking. The reason being is that, in addition to exceptional market feedback, lawyers hoping for a ranking will need to showcase 3 or 4 standout matters within the submission.

Given that firms are only permitted to include 20 work highlights, advocating too many lawyers will naturally result in fewer matters per lawyer. Moreover, Chambers acknowledged that they are unlikely to add more than a few lawyers per firm, signifying that the most realistic candidates should be advocated.

A curated approach is best, firms should aim to focus on specific candidates each year and turn their attention elsewhere once these names have been added.

One very interesting anecdote was that already ranked names can retain their rankings with just one or two work highlights, so long as it is explicitly stated in the submission that they are not as prominent this year due to a focus on other individuals. Chambers stated that this will allay any concerns that this lawyer may be winding down their practice.

Of course, a balance needs to be struck here. Firms are recommended to showcase their absolute standout work, regardless of who is leading it, as failing to do so could detriment the overall practice ranking, though this needs to be balanced by ensuring that individual candidates have the recommended amount of exhibited work.

Given that firms have 20 matters to work with, sufficient consideration can be given to both, though this will no doubt involve a great deal of tactical consideration.

Referee Feedback

Finally, Chambers provided some extremely helpful pointers on how firms can further optimise their referee feedback:

1. Chambers provides a referee management tool, as part of its profile package, while permitting firms to track who has been successfully contacted
2. Firms should ask their referees to add @chambers.com to their safe senders list
3. Firms are welcome to reach out to Chambers directly should they have any questions on the reach out process, or concerns about who has/has not been contacted.
4. Availability and Responsiveness: Referees should be available, willing, and responsive, with sufficient English proficiency to speak for 5-10 minutes on the phone.
5. Familiarity with the Team: Referees should know the team well enough to describe its strengths and some of the lawyers involved in the matter. In-house counsel can be more effective than CEOs as they are more likely to respond and possess legal knowledge.

Most helpfully, in a pointer which is likely to go contrary to how most firms currently operate, it was suggested that, for the very largest of clients, firms should put forward more junior names i.e., someone who will likely have the time to talk to Chambers in great depth, as opposed to CEOs who may be pressed for time.

Likewise, a firm may be able to include a recognisable GC or revered barrister as a referee though this inclusion will hold zero weight if this individual never finds the time to converse with Chambers.

Helpful, insightful and revealing feedback from a more junior name was stated to hold far more weight than rushed or non-existent commentary from a senior figure.

How We Can Help

At Tier One Rankings, our team boasts over two decades of collective experience in Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, with former researchers and editors among our ranks. The majority of our clients have attained Tier 1 rankings, and nearly half have received either firm or individual ranking advancements in the past year.

We specialize in the four key areas addressed at Chambers 360:
Work Quality: We assist in effectively presenting complex matters.
Scope of Work: Ensuring a diverse range of matter types and industries.
Individuals: Striking the right balance in promoting your practice.
Referees: We help you select optimal referees, keeping Chambers’ limits in mind.

Our commitment is to provide practical support to enhance your submission and improve your rankings. 

The post Chambers 360 – All the Key Pointers for Improving a Submission appeared first on Tier One Rankings.

Start by introducing the client and the work you’ve done in a clear, easy-to-grasp manner.

Break your work into two parts: what was done and how it tested legal norms or brought innovation.

Let’s learn from an example: a lawyer we worked with elevated their case by diving deeper into its unique aspects.

Routine tasks often hide groundbreaking achievements waiting to be unveiled.

Lee Saunders shares his tips and insights on how to master writing the perfect matter description in the following short video:

The post Mastering Matter Descriptions in Submissions appeared first on Tier One Rankings.

In this information-packed session, we will unravel the secrets behind crafting compelling submissions that resonate with the Legal 500 researchers. Gain a competitive edge as we share tips and strategies on selecting the most impactful materials, how to present them and navigating the selection of referees.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the Legal 500 process, this webinar will equip you with invaluable insights and best practices to maximize your chances of securing a coveted spot in the rankings. Discover how to optimize your firm’s visibility, attract high-value clients, and establish yourself as a leader in the legal industry.

The webinar will be presented by Adina Grossman, head of Nishlis Legal Marketing’s submissions department. Adina has unparalleled expertise in legal directory submissions, helping clients improve their rankings for over a decade.

Click here to register and to receive a link for the webinar.

The post From Good to Great: Elevate Your Legal 500 Submissions to New Heights -Webinar June 20th at 15:00 CET appeared first on Tier One Rankings.

In this information-packed session, we will unravel the secrets behind crafting compelling submissions that resonate with the Legal 500 researchers. Gain a competitive edge as we share tips and strategies on selecting the most impactful materials, how to present them and navigating the selection of referees.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the Legal 500 process, this webinar will equip you with invaluable insights and best practices to maximize your chances of securing a coveted spot in the rankings. Discover how to optimize your firm’s visibility, attract high-value clients, and establish yourself as a leader in the legal industry.

The webinar will be presented by Adina Grossman, head of Nishlis Legal Marketing’s submissions department. Adina has unparalleled expertise in legal directory submissions, helping clients improve their rankings for over a decade.

Click here to register and to receive a link for the webinar.

Click here to read pointers and tips for the upcoming Legal 500 EMEA submission.

The post From Good to Great: Elevate Your Legal 500 Submissions to New Heights -Webinar June 20th at 15:00 CET appeared first on Tier One Rankings.

But fear not, legal eagles! Even in the hallowed halls of justice, we are at hand to show you how a well-crafted content strategy can work wonders in attracting and engaging clients.

When it comes to content strategy, the legal profession demands a solid foundation. How best to do this? Begin by identifying your firm’s unique voice, embrace it, and let it permeate your content like a well-tailored judge’s robe. This helps differentiate the law firm from competitors by highlighting its unique strengths, areas of specialisation, and innovative approaches. Just ensure it is echoed across the firm.

Legal jargon can be baffling to a non-legally trained client, so it is important to create content that educates and enlightens your audience. Write insightful blog posts, engaging videos, or even a legal podcast where you shed light on complex legal concepts, in simple terms. Remember, legal knowledge doesn’t have to be dry. By producing thought-provoking and insightful content you can establish the firm as a thought leader, attract media attention and create opportunities for collaboration.

Also, who doesn’t love a good story? While respecting client confidentiality, share captivating anecdotes from the courtroom, showcase your firm’s victories, highlighting the legal skill that turned a case around in your favour.

Questions everywhere! As a legal professional, you encounter countless FAQs from clients. Why not turn these into a creative content goldmine? Draft a series of frequently asked questions and answer them in an engaging and informative manner. Always a winner, especially when SEO is incorporated and draws new audiences to your pages. Tackling common legal concerns and sharing clear explanations, will aid in educating clients and potential clients about their rights, legal processes, and make them more trusting.

We know that complex legal processes can sometimes resemble a maze, with clients wandering aimlessly. Remember that people find information that is shared on a visual a lot easier to understand. Break down convoluted legal procedures into visually appealing infographics that guide clients and can speak volumes, because less is more.

And lastly, embrace the power of social media to amplify your legal voice. Engage with your audience on platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, or even TikTok. Share legal insights, debunk common myths, or even indulge in a friendly legal banter with your peers.

Putting together a content strategy for your firm, may seem like an uphill battle, but with the right mix of professionalism, wit, and creativity, you can turn it into a resounding success. Educate, entertain, and engage your audience through informative and captivating content, bringing a breath of fresh air to your legal world.

The post What every legal professional needs to know about successful content strategies  appeared first on Tier One Rankings.

The power of social media is vast, and growing, without an end in sight.

That’s why the use of Social Media to highlight your brand, to improve your standing and to show off your abilities, really is a no-brainer.

Join our Masterclass on Tuesday May 23, to specifically learn “how to leverage Social Media to improve individual legal directory rankings”. 

To register for the event, please click on the following link:

https://www.linkedin.com/events/howtoleveragesocialmediatoimpro7062722294489452544/

The post How to leverage social media to improve individual legal directory rankings appeared first on Tier One Rankings.

A common challenge I often hear about when speaking with in-house legal marketers is the difficulties they have communicating with legal departments regarding submissions. It can sometimes be hard to get approval for a submission, even for a simple edit, when it has to change hands so many times and get final approval from a very busy partner.

Therefore, to help all of you frustrated legal marketers, I have made a list of tips to improve communication with legal departments so the submissions process can run a bit more smoothly.

1. Why submit in the first place?

Partners usually don’t have much time to edit submissions, and many do not understand the importance of being ranked by legal directories. Setting up a meeting to discuss which legal directories they will be submitting for, their rankings in those directories and realistic goals for the upcoming year can help them prioritize the submissions so that they may take some time out of their busy schedules to work on them.

2. Get Organized!

Benjamin Franklin put it best when he said “by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Therefore, be sure to discuss with departments beforehand exactly what the submission requires, including practice area definitions and what each lawyer will need to contribute. Moreover, you should predetermine which partners will be put forward for rankings beforehand to prevent future roadblocks caused by office politics. Lastly, ask the partners what major changes have taken place over the last year so they can be included in the submission before the partners begin editing.

3. Send the submission draft a month ahead of the deadline.

This will ensure that you can set reasonable internal deadlines for the department and edit the submission one more time before sending it back to the partners for final approval.

4. Keep emails short and to the point

There is no need to make the partners feel like working on a submission is harder than it is, especially if all they need to do is make minor updates. Making the work appear to be more manageable will usually help them to hop to it!

5. It never hurts to pick up the phone

If partners are not responding to your emails, don’t be shy to text, call, or better yet, go to their office and check on the status of the submission. Attorneys are busy and can sometimes forget about submissions amid their other work, so popping in can remind them that these rankings are important and hopefully make it next on their to-do list.

6. It helps to delegate

When you are dealing with many submissions, it may get complicated and confusing to deal with multiple departments, secretaries and lawyers. This is why I oftentimes recommend electing an associate or intern as a point of contact for a department. This way, someone who knows and has greater access to the partners can take an active role in pushing the submission forward.

7. Hire a legal marketing company

All of this may sound daunting, and that’s because it is. Hiring a legal marketing company can help take some of the load off stressed and overworked in-house marketing teams by helping them establish a clear strategy, draft and edit submissions, as well as set internal deadlines to keep you on track.

For more information regarding legal marketing assistance, please refer to the Tier One website: https://tieronerankings.com/

The post Submissions: How to get the partners’ attention appeared first on Tier One Rankings.